A brief history of diagnostic cytology

Being a discipline specialized for diagnosis of tumors, diagnostic cytology has a history of over 100 years. By exploring the origin, development and its formative process, valuable and special information which are helpful to the general investigation of tumor cases and screening of such patients can be provided.

[Application and analysis of biochemical indices for the evaluation of antisilicosis treatment. Study on anti-silicosis therapy and its evaluation research group]

The levels of serum Ceruloplasmin (Cp), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and IgG of 296 silicosis patients treated by tetrandrine, polyvinylpridine-N-Oxide, hydroxypiperaquinoline phosphate and aluminium citrate were measured. Sera were collected before and after the 1st, 3rd and 6th therapy courses. 144 Silicosis patients without treatment were observed as controls. The levels of these three indices decreased by the end of treatment. The levels of SOD were fluctuated, which were increased after the 3rd course, but decreased after the 1st and 6th courses. The decrease of Cp, SOD and IgG consisted with the clinical effectiveness of the treatment, indicating that Cp, SOD and IgG were appropriate biochemical indicators for the evaluation of antisilicosis drugs. The quality control and the statistics standardization for data analysis are important.

In rice, Oryzalin and abscisic acid differentially affect tubulin mRNA and protein levels

The effect of the anti-microtubular drug Oryzalin (3,5-dinitro-N4,N4-dipropylsulfanilamide) on growth and elongation of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Arborio) roots and coleoptiles was investigated. At 100 nM, Oryzalin strongly reduced primary root elongation, caused loss of cell anisotropy and the disappearance of the cortical microtubule array. Under these conditions the amounts of alpha- and beta-tubulin protein, but not mRNA, were heavily reduced. Similar data were also obtained in coleoptile segments treated with different concentrations of Oryzalin. However, when coleoptile elongation was inhibited by cis-abscisic acid, remarkable decreases in alpha- and beta-tubulin accumulation were observed to occur at the mRNA level but not at the protein level. The transcriptional decreases could be reversed by re-addition of 3-indole acetic acid. Altogether, these data indicate that rice tubulin accumulation can be controlled at different levels, mRNA or protein, in response to Oryzalin or abscisic acid treatments.

[The relationship between LPS-induced apoptosis in hepatocyte, Kupffer cell and hepatocytic damage]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF alpha) in the mechanisms of liver injury and the relationship between LPS-induced apoptosis in hepatocyte (HC), kupffer cell (KC), and hepatic damage.

METHODS

In vitro, kupffer cells (1 x 10/ml) were stimulated with different concentrations of endotoxin (1-10 micrograms/ml) for 1-24 hr; the kupffer cells, which had been cultured with endotoxin for 24 hr, were isolated to coculture with hepatocytes (1:1) for 1-24 hr. Two kinds of cells of apoptosis and the block effect of TNF alpha antibody were detected by cell death ELISA, and the supernatant was performed to determine the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) at different time points.

RESULTS

Following stimulation with LPS, the number of positive apoptotic KC increased in a concentration and time (3 h-24 h) dependent manner. In contrast, coincubation of HC with LPS-stimulated KC resulted in a marked increase in positive apoptotic hepatocyte when LPS concentration was greater than 1 microgram/ml. TNF alpha antibody blocked apoptosis in both KC and HC. Only when the LPS concentration was higher than 1 microgram/ml and cultured for 6 hr, the release of liver enzymes (ALT, LDH), responsible for hepacyte damage, rose significantly, but the process was behind of apoptosis, and TNF alpha antibody couldn't block it.

CONCLUSION

TNF alpha mediates LPS-induced apoptosis in KC and HC, and the apoptosis precedes cellular damage. Massive apoptosis of KC may lead to the decrease of clearance of LPS, thereby exacerbating septic shock, hepatocyte damage and apoptosis.

[Determination of sunscreen agents in cosmetic products by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography]

A method for quantitative determination of eleven sunscreen agents (benzophenone-4,p-amino-benzoic acid, salicylic acid, benzophenone-3,phenyl salicylate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, octyl dimethyl p-amino-benzoate, isopropyl dibenzoylmethane, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate) in cosmetic products is described. It was based on a high performance liquid chromatographic separation under the condition of isocratic elution with a mixture solution of methanol-THF-water-70% perchloric acid (200:200:160:0.1) by using a column packed with 10 microns YWG-C15 and UV detection. The recoveries (n = 6) were 94.1%-101% and the relative standard deviations(n = 6) for all eleven sunscreen agents were less than 5%. In addition, the results of analysis of 30 samples out of 103 samples of commercial suntan cosmetics performed are reported in this paper.

Apolipoprotein AIV: a potent endogenous inhibitor of lipid oxidation

Overexpression of apolipoprotein (apo) AIV in transgenic mice confers significant protection against atherosclerosis in apoE knockout animals even in the presence of a more severe atherogenic lipid profile. Because lipoprotein oxidation has been recognized to be pivotal in development of atherosclerosis, the antioxidative activity of apoAIV was investigated. Fasting intestinal lymph was used to mimic conditions in the interstitial fluid, the potential site for lipoprotein oxidation in vivo. ApoAIV (10 micrograms/ml) significantly inhibited copper-mediated oxidation of lymph. This inhibitory effect was further evaluated using purified low-density lipoprotein. Addition of apoAIV (2.5 micrograms/ml) increased the time of 50% conjugated diene formation by 2.4-fold, whereas apoE or BSA did not show such a protection even at 20 micrograms/ml. Addition of apoAIV during the propagation phase also resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition. ApoAIV also protected macrophage-induced oxidation of fasting lymph. These results provide the first evidence that apoAIV is a potent endogenous antioxidant.

[Effect of Acorus tatarinowii Schott. on gastrointestinal myoelectric activity in rats]

The effect of Acorus tatarinowii on the gastrointestinal myoelectric activity and mechanism in rats was studied electrio-physiologically. The result indicates that Acorus tatarinowii helps inhibit the gastrointestinal myoelectric activity. This inhibitory effect is believed to take place through the blocking of cholinergic M and non-cholinergic M receptors, and has nothing to do with adrenergic alpha and beta receptors.

Altered phosphorylation of a 91-kDa protein in particulate fractions of rat kidney after protracted 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or estrogen treatment

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] treatment in vitamin D-deficient (-D) rats results in a dose-dependent decrease in phosphorylation of a 91-kDa protein (PP-D91) in particulate fractions of the kidney. This recently reported 1,25(OH)2D3 effect was examined in detail herein. In contrast to the pattern expected of a rapid signal transduction event, time course (4 h-7 days) experiments demonstrated that PP-D91 phosphorylation was not decreased until 3-5 days 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, resulting in a 61 +/- 3% (P < 0.01, n = 3) decrease in PP-D91 phosphorylation by 7 days. These effects paralleled increases in plasma calcium from 9.3 +/- 0.6 to 13.9 +/- 0.7 mg/dl after 0 vs 7 days 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment, respectively. Subcellular fractionation demonstrated that the renal PP-D91 was predominantly localized and 1,25(OH)2D3-regulated in crude mitochondrial and microsomal fractions. Further, PP-D91 was present and 1,25(OH)2D3-regulated in enriched preparations of both proximal and distal renal tubule segments. Tissue distribution studies demonstrated that the PP-D91 was predominantly present and 1,25(OH)2D3 regulated in the kidney, although low levels of a vitamin D-independent phosphorylated band of similar size were observed in the lung and heart. In contrast to 1,25(OH)2D3, estradiol-17B treatment (1 mg/day x 7 day) significantly (P < 0.01) increased PP-D91 phosphorylation in kidney of both -D and +D rats (increased 118.5 +/- 10.6 and 81.9 +/- 6.3%, respectively). Phosphoamino acid analysis after PP-D91 phosphorylation, isolation, and proteolysis indicated that these hormones alter 32P incorporation into phosphoserine residues. In conclusion, the 1,25(OH)2D3 effect to reduce PP-D91 phosphorylation in particulate fractions of the rat kidney is a protracted, tissue-specific effect which parallels elevated plasma calcium levels in this model. Moreover, renal PP-D91 phosphorylation is differentially regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3 vs E2 treatment and occurs on phosphoserine residues. The parallel between decreased PP-D91 phosphorylation and 1,25(OH)2D3-induced hypercalcemia may suggest a role for PP-D91 in the renal response to hypervitaminosis D.

Molecular cloning of three rice alpha-tubulin isotypes: differential expression in tissues and during flower development

We have isolated three rice cDNA sequences coding for divergent isotypes of alpha-tubulin. TubA1 and TubA2 are members of the plant subfamily I of alpha-tubulins whereas TubA3 belongs to subfamily II. The pattern of accumulation of TubA3 mRNA in rice flowers, roots and coleoptile segments treated with auxin differs significantly from what observed for TubA1 and TubA2 mRNAs.

[Liquid chromatographic separation of pepsinogens]

In this work, we reported a method for the purification of pepsinogens from human gastric mucosa with high pressure gel filtration chromatography (HPLC) and medium pressure anion exchange chromatography (MPLC). First, the two fractions of Pg1 and mixture of PGI and PGII were separated from pepsinogens with HPLC on a Bio-Sil SEC-125 column within 50min. Then the mixture of fractions of PGI and PGII was further separated with MPLC on a Bio-Scale Q2 column within 30min.

An autocrine/paracrine role of human decidual relaxin. II. Stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1)

Interstitial collagen types I and III are the predominant collagens in the amniotic and chorionic connective tissues. However, this matrix also contains proteoglycans, fibronectin, laminin, and elastin, which together with the collagens may undergo partial degradation prior to fetal membrane rupture at term. In this study, stromelysin (MMP-3) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) were immunolocalized in fetal membranes obtained at term prior to labor. MMP-3 stained the cells of the amniotic epithelium, fibroblasts and macrophages of the amniotic and chorionic matrix, and those of the chorionic cytotrophoblast; there was no staining in the maternal decidua. TIMP-1 showed a similar staining pattern, except that the staining was darker in some amniotic epithelial cells and was present in the maternal decidua. The maternal decidua produces the two human relaxins H1 and H2; the latter, when incubated with explants of human fetal membranes, caused a dose-dependent and significant increase in expression of the MMP-3 gene and its secreted protein into the media. A significant effect of relaxin H2 on 92-kDa gelatinase (MMP-9) gene expression was also shown--an effect requiring poly(A)+ RNA rather than total RNA. Both relaxin H1 and H2 caused a significant increase in secretion of MMP-9 protein and its enzyme activity in the media. The magnitude of the effects of the two relaxins was similar, in contrast to findings from other biological studies in which relaxin H2 was shown to be more active. Neither of the relaxins had any effect on 72-kDa gelatinase (MMP-2) activity or on the TIMP-1 protein or its activity. This study suggests that local relaxins may be involved in the degradation of the complex fetal membrane extracellular matrix and may cause activation of an enzyme cascade resulting in fully activated MMP-9. Such effects could be important in the degradative pathways occurring in the amnion and chorion in the peripartal period.

An autocrine/paracrine role of human decidual relaxin. I. Interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1) and tissue plasminogen activator

Decidual and placental relaxins have been proposed as autocrine/ paracrine hormones in the remodeling of collagen in the amnion and chorion in the last weeks of pregnancy. The matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) is a key enzyme in the degradation of the interstitial collagens which predominate in the fetal membranes. Distribution of the MMP-1 gene and of the MMP-1 protein was shown by in situ hybridization and immunolocalization, respectively, in amnion, chorion, and decidua collected from patients before the onset of spontaneous labor. The distribution of MMP-1 in the chorionic cytotrophoblast and decidua coincided with that of the human relaxin receptor, detected by tissue section autoradiography in tissues collected at the same stage of pregnancy. Fetal membrane explants were used to study the effect of exogenous human relaxin H2. These responded by a dose-dependent increase in expression of the MMP-1 gene, in its secreted protein, and in its enzyme activity in the medium. A similar dose-dependent increase in the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) gene and protein upon exposure of the explants to relaxin H2 suggested a coordinated cascade system, resulting in increases in secreted activities of MMP-1, MMP-3 (stromelysin), and MMP-9 (gelatinase B). There was no effect on the genes or proteins for MMP-2 (gelatinase A) or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), showing the specificity of the response. This coordinated regulation by relaxin H2 of tPA, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 would result in more complete degradation of the fetal membrane extracellular matrix components.

Long-term prognosis of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in 229 cases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate long-term efficacy of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and the factors affecting its efficacy in Chinese patients.

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty-nine patients who underwent successful PTCA in this institution were followed-up by direct interview or letters. The rate of follow-up was 95%. The period of follow-up were 0.5-8.4 (with mean of 2.3 +/- 1.8 years).

RESULTS

Angina Pectoris recurred in 76 (33.2%) of the patients. Cox regression analysis revealed that the relative risk of recurrence of angina pectoris was increased among the patients with triple vessel disease and with history of hypertension. During the period of follow-up, 2 (0.9%) patients died, 6 (2.6%) had non-fatal acute myocardial infarction, 4 (1.7%) had coronary artery bypass graft surgery and 29 (12.7%) had repeat PTCA. The cardiac event-free survival rate calculated by Kaplan-Meier method was 84.8% at the first year and 70.5% at the eighth year. Cox regression analysis revealed that there were positive correlation between the relative risks of cardiac events and stenosis of lesions before PTCA and residual stenosis of LAD after PTCA.

CONCLUSION

The long-term efficacy of PTCA in Chinese patients was good. The results of this study suggest that to decrease the residual stenosis of LAD during procedures could probably decrease the relative risk of cardiac events during follow-up.

Infiltration of eosinophils into the asthmatic airways caused by interleukin 5

Interleukin (IL)-5 is thought to play an important role in asthmatic bronchial mucosal inflammation and is a potential therapeutic target. To investigate the effect of IL-5 on the infiltration of eosinophils in airway in vivo, we compared eosinophil counts and their activation status in airways without and after the topical instillation of recombinant human IL-5. Eight subjects with mild atopic asthma underwent initial bronchoscopy during which control bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid as well as bronchial mucosa were obtained, and at the same time, normal saline and IL-5 were administered to two sublobar segments separately. The second bronchoscopy were carried out and samples from challenged sites were taken 24 h later. It was found that the total eosinophils (BMK-13+ cells) and the activated eosinophils (EG2+ cells) in bronchial mucosa, the eosinophil numbers in BAL fluid, as well as eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in BAL fluid from saline-challenged segments were not different from those in unchallenged segments. However, a significant eosinophilia was observed in bronchial mucosa and BAL fluid from IL-5-challenged sites. Eosinophil activation, as assessed by secretion of ECP, was also increased significantly in bronchial mucosa and BAL fluid. The results strongly suggested that IL-5 is capable of inducing eosinophil infiltration into the asthmatic airways, as well as the activation of infiltrating eosinophils.

Structural and functional analysis of the 5'-flanking region of the human insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-4 gene

More than 3 kb of the human (h)IGFBP-4 gene 5'-flanking region was sequenced and assessed for promoter activity. The hIGFBP-4 promoter resides within a CpG island and demonstrates strong basal activity in human osteoblast-like osteosarcoma and COS-7 monkey kidney cells. Transient transfection of cells with hIGFBP-4 promoter-linked deletion constructs demonstrated that multiple cooperating cis-acting elements within 836 bp of the 5'-flanking region contributed to overall promoter strength.

[Isolation of 28 new STSs at Xq27.3]

A plasmid sublibrary of the 475 kb insert of YAC209G4 was constructed by using pBS II KS vector. The library of 3,500 clones having 100-600 bp inserts was screened with the probe of the 475 kb insert blocked with competitor DNA. Sixty unique single copy clones were found and sequenced. Checking with GenBank, 28 new STSs were obtained. Genbank accession numbers are U26560-26587. Three STSs were tested by PCR with appropriate primers using human genomic DNA as template and showed specific amplification bands as expected.

[Dynamic study on blood lead levels of pregnant women and infants in a district of Beijing]

Under strict quality control, the authors investigated the levels of PbB among 270 women from early pregnancy to delivery and their infants. The mean PbB levels of the first three months of pregnancy and delivery is 45.0 microg/L and 64.8 microg/L respectively. Analysis shows an increase of mean PbB level in the period of gestation, and a significant increase in the last three months. The mean PbB level of umbilical cord is 51.9 microg/L (10.4% umbilical cord PbB > 100 microg/L). The mean PbB level of infants increases with the months, it increases significantly after six months. Regression analysis confirmed the positive correlation between the PbB levels of first three and second three months of gestation, the PbB of delivery and umbilical cord, the PbB of umbilical coral and infants. The correlation coefficient of the PbB level of delivery and umbilical cord, the PbB level of infants at six months and at twelve months is 0.80 and 0.47 respectively.

[Quantitative study of calcitonin gene methylation in myelodysplastic syndromes]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of calcitonin gene hypermethylation in the transformation from myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) to acute myeloid leukemias (AML).

METHODS

The methylation rate of calcitonin gene (CTMR) in the genomic DNA extracted from bone marrow cell of 27 MDS patients and 6 AML patients with antecedent MDS were studied by PCR amplification of Hpa I digested DNA, with external reference of undigested and Msp I digested DNA and internal reference of 112bp fragment containing N-ras-61. Intensity of silver-stained PCR products was measured by densitometer and analysed using the computer program.

RESULTS

The CTMR was significantly higher in MDS (33.65% +/- 23.37%) than in control group (P<0.001), in 9 RAEB(T) (58.35% +/- 17.44%) than in the control and RA groups. Five RA patients who have survived three to ten years without leukemia, have a normal CTMR. Seven of 8 RAEB(T) patients who had a high CTMR of more than 30% evolved into AML in two months.

CONCLUSION

CTMR might be a useful marker for predicting the evolution of MDS into AML.

Application of color Doppler ultrasonic examination in deep vein valvular incompetence in lower limbs

By use of color Doppler Flow Imaging (CDFI), the morphologic and hemodynamic parameters such as the diameters of femoral and popliteal veins, blood flow velocity and the reflux of valve area were examined in lower extremity deep valvular incompetence (DVI) and normal control groups. The purpose was to evaluate the value of CDFI in the diagnosis of DVI. The results demonstrated that the parameters between the two groups had a very significant difference (P < 0.001), indicating that the CDFI is non-invasive, cost-effective and safe and it might serve as a practical tool in the diagnosis of lower extremity deep valvular incompetence.

[Construction of Chinese genomic cosmid library]

A Chinese genomic library has been constructed using SuperCos1 cosmid vector. 6.09 x 10(5) clones were obtained with an everage insert size of 40 kb ranging from 32 to 45 kb, which cover approximately 8.12 fold human genomic DNA. DNA pools prepared from the total library were screened with 6 known markers distributed on different chromosomes, which all were tested positive.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of megestrol acetate on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at remission stage]

It has been reported that malnutrition is common in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. In order to observe the effects of Megestrol Acetate (MA) on nutritional status, respiratory muscle strength and immunological parameters in stable COPD patients, 31 stable COPD patients were divided into two groups at random--a treatment group of 16 cases and a control group of 15 cases. Before and after treatment all parameters were recorded, including food and energy intake, body weight, triceps skinfolds (TSF), pre-albumin, transferrin, albumin. Lung function, respiratory muscle and handgrip strength were examined and immunological parameters also determined. After taking MA 160 mg/day orally for two weeks, the treatment group got benefits as follows: heat energy and protein intake increased fro 6977.9 +/- 1136 kJ/d and 44.65 +/- 13.75 g/d to 9854.0 +/- 2355.3 kJ/d and 84.80 +/- 20.23 g/d respectively. With the increase of daily energy and protein intake, body weight increased from 48.27 +/- 8.61kg to 50.34 +/- 8.76 kg, TSF from 11.75 +/- 4.50 mm to 15.06 +/- 4.73 mm, serum pre-albumin from 306.6 +/- 33.7 mg/L to 332.6 +/- 1 mg/L, transferrin from 3.09 +/- 0.21 g/L to 3.46 +/- 0.32 g/L, albumin from 38.00 +/- 1.73 g/L to 42.64 +/- 3.36 g/L, MIP from 4.77 +/- 2.14 kPa (1 kPa = 7.5 mmHg) to 6.31 +/- 2.87 kPa, MEP from 6.21 +/- 2.90 kPa to 7.20 +/- 3.67 kPa and 6 minutes walking distance from 280.2 +/- 76.4 m to 370.6 +/- 81.5 m. Handgrip strength also improved. Blood lymphocyte transformation rate elevated too. (The changes of all these parameters indicated above were statistically significant, P < 0.01). However, parameters of lung function, blood gas analysis, serum immunoglobulin and complement 3 did not change significantly. In 15 control patients all the parameters did not change significantly. There were few side effects; only one case complained of nausea and vomiting. It was shown that MA can stimulate appetite and increase dietintake, improve nutritional status, elevate respiratory muscle strength, and enhance immunity. MA is a safe and effective drug which exerts a beneficial influence on stable COPD.

Detection of ultraviolet photoproducts in mouse skin exposed to natural sunlight

In the present study, we for the first time investigated the formation of ultraviolet (UV) photoproducts, cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), pyrimidine-pyrimidone (6-4) photoproducts (64PPs) and Dewar isomers, in vivo in shaved and depilated C3H/HeN mouse skin exposed to natural sunlight (NSL) at noon for 5 min to 1 h in mid-summer, using a highly sensitive immunohistochemical method. This method permits the quantitative analysis of UV-photoproducts in formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded sections with specific antibodies against CPDs, 64PPs and Dewar isomers. We demonstrated that the induction of CPDs in vivo in mouse skin by NSL was exposure time-dependent, but the accumulation of 64PPs or Dewar isomers was comparatively low in the skin sections from mice exposed to NSL in vivo. The results indicate that CPDs are the main photoproducts in vivo induced by sunlight and that their formation and repair may be important in connection with carcinogenesis in sun-exposed areas of human skin.

Transcriptional regulation of the Bacillus subtilis menp1 promoter

The Bacillus subtilis men genes encode biosynthetic enzymes for formation of the respiratory chain component menaquinone. The menp1 promoter previously was shown to be the primary cis element for menFD gene expression. In the present work, it was found that either supplementation with nonfermentable carbon sources or reutilization of glycolytic end products increased menp1 activity in the late postexponential phase. The effect on menp1 activity by a particular end product (such as acetoin or acetate) was prevented by blocking the corresponding pathway for end product utilization. Alteration of a TGAAA motif within the promoter region resulted in unregulated menp1 activity throughout the culture cycle, irrespective of the carbon source added.

[Effect of ultrasonic extraction on extraction rate of berberine]

The parameters are proposed which can be used in extracting berberine from the rhizoma of Coptis chinensis with ultrasound. Compared with traditional immersing method, ultrasonic extraction is time saving and of higher extraction rate.

Quantitative detection of ultraviolet light-induced photoproducts in mouse skin by immunohistochemistry

UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine-pyrimidone (6-4)photoproducts [(6-4)photoproducts] in mouse skin DNA were quantitatively measured using an immunohistochemical approach with a computer-aided color image analyzer. The skins of the C3H/HeN mice were irradiated with ultraviolet B (UV-B, 280-320 nm), and processed to give conventional formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded histologic sections. Routine immunohistochemistry clearly demonstrated a dose-dependent induction of both photoproducts. CPDs were detectable at doses > or = 125 J/m2, while for (6-4)photoproducts, the minimal dose at which they were detectable was 250 J/m2 in the present study. A time course study showed that the repair of (6-4)photoproducts was more rapid than that of CPDs, and that epidermal cells had a higher capacity for their removal than dermal cells. About half of the (6-4)photoproducts were excised within the first 24 h after the irradiation, and the process was essentially complete by 72 h. In contrast, there was no apparent removal (less than 10%) of CPDs in the first 24 h and they only completely disappeared from the epidermal cells at 120 h after irradiation. The effect of DNA dilution due to increased turnover of epidermal cells after UV-B irradiation was evaluated by quantitative immunohistochemical measurement of the time course of bromodeoxy-uridine (BrdUrd) incorporated into nuclei at 2 days post irradiation when the proliferation reaches a peak. The removal of photoproducts was more marked than the decrease in BrdUrd staining. Our results suggest that mouse skin cells can repair both (6-4)photoproducts and CPDs, but with considerably lower efficiency, especially in the latter case, then human or monkey skin cells.

Inhibitory effect of probucol on nephrotoxicity induced by ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) in rats

Effects of dietary probucol on renal damage induced by a renal carcinogen, ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA), in male Wistar rats were quantitatively investigated with a computer-mediated image analyzer. The kidneys of rats fed a 1% probucol diet were protected from necrosis and lipid peroxidation induced by a single i.p. treatment with Fe-NTA solution at 5 mg Fe/kg body wt and were significantly resistant to a higher dose. For the parameter of lipid peroxidation, Schiff's staining method was utilized to demonstrate the extent of formation of aldehydes, products of lipid peroxidation. Thus following injection of Fe-NTA solution at 10 mg Fe/kg body wt the average areas of tubular necrosis were 85.8% versus 56.9% and the positive areas for Schiff's staining were 15.3% versus 5.6% in the renal cortices of rats fed control of 1% probucol diets respectively. These results indicate that probucol provides protection against Fe-NTA-induced nephrotoxicity through its antioxidant properties. In addition to being a cholesterol-lowering drug, useful for the control of hypercholesterolemia, probucol may therefore be beneficial for prevention and treatment of various pathogenic processes including those leading to carcinogenesis.

Inhibitory effect of probucol on benzo[a]pyrene induced lung tumorigenesis

The effects of probucol, a clinically used cholesterol lowering and antioxidant drug, on benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) induced pulmonary and forestomach tumorigenesis as well as induction of colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in female A/J mice was investigated. Diet containing 1% probucol fed prior to, during and after 8 bi-weekly 1 mg/mouse oral intubations of B[a]P, reduced the number of pulmonary adenomas by 52% (P < 0.001) and the number of forestomach tumors by 31%. The 0.06% probucol diet also resulted in decreased tumor formation but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Both probucol diets significantly reduced the numbers of large ACF, putative preneoplastic lesions of the colon mucosa, but showed no effects on the total numbers of ACF. The results of this study suggest that probucol may also be useful as a chemopreventive agent, in addition to being a cholesterol lowering and anti-atherogenic drug with low toxicity.

[The effect of platelet-activating factor antagonists on early bacteria translocation of rat after burn injury]

30% third degree burn model of Wistar rat was used in this experiment. The animals were divided randomly into three groups (normal control, burn, and platelet-activating factor antagonist treatment). After poured E. coli which labelled with acridine orange into intestine, the rats were killed at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hrs postburn, the bacteria in mesentery lymph node (MLN), liver and pulmonary organisms were cultured and counted, also observed by fluorescent microscopy directly. The results showed that, in PAF antagonist (WEB2170) treatment group, the quantity of bacteria in MLN, liver and lung were decreased significantly (P < 0.001). The labelled bacteria in MLN, liver and lung of burn group were 100%, 80.0%, and 50.0% respectively compared with 40.0%, 30.0%, and 20.0% in treatment group. It is suggested that WEB 2170 could protect the intestine from bacteria translocation after burn injury.

Exotic collagen gradients in the byssus of the mussel Mytilus edulis

Byssal threads of the common mussel Mytilus edulis contain collagenous molecules from which two pepsin-resistant fragments have been isolated and characterized. These show a complementary distribution along the length of the thread, such that one predominates distally (Col-D) and the other proximally (Col-P). Both fragments contain three identical alpha-like chains with molecular masses of 50 kDa (Col-P) and 60 kDa (Col-D) and have typically collagenous amino acid compositions; for example, 35% glycine and almost 20% proline plus 4-trans-hydroxyproline. Hydroxylysine and 3-hydroxyproline were absent. Col-P sequences are also typical of collagen in consisting of tandem repeats of the triplet Gly-X-Y in which X and Y generally represent any amino acid. When proline occurs, it is hydroxylated to 4-trans-hydroxyproline only in the Y position. Seven instances where X is glycine have been detected in Col-P. Specific polyclonal anti-Col antibodies were used to isolate the precursors of Col-P and Col-D from the mussel foot. PreCol-P has a molecular mass of 95 kDa and contains 36% glycine but a lower imino acid content (13%). It has a complementary distribution with another precursor (preCol-D, 97 kDa) along the length of the foot. The two precursor compositions suggest resilin-like and silk-fibroin-like structures, respectively, in the noncollagenous domains of preCol-P and preCol-D. Immunogold labelling studies indicate that Col-P is associated with the coiled fibers of the inner core in the proximal portion of the thread, whereas Col-D is localized to the straight fiber bundles of the distal thread as well as to the outer core of the proximal thread.

A two-year experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy--a report of 1475 cases from Kunming, China

Over a 2-year period, from 12 September 1991 to 11 September 1993, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed on 1475 patients with benign gallbladder disease in Kunming General Hospital, Yunnan, China. Of these, 28 cases (1.9%) were converted to open surgery. Various complications were documented in 27 instances including extrahepatic bile duct injury in 4 cases (0.3%), postoperative haemorrhage requiring laparotomy in 3 cases (0.2%) and bile leak from cystic duct stump in 1 case (0.07%). There was 1 (0.07%) death in the series. The junction between the gallbladder infundibulum and the cystic duct is an important landmark which laparoscopic surgeons must identify in the course of the procedure. Because the junction remains a comparatively constant landmark, in difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy, excessive dissection of the bile duct would be unnecessary. During dissection of the hepatic hilus, blund dissection is recommended and the blind use of cautery and haemostasis should be avoided.

Effect of estrogen on egg production, shell quality and calcium metabolism in molted hens

Force-molted White Leghorn laying hens were implanted with 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 3 Compudose 200 pellets (24 mg 17 beta estradiol/pellet). Plasma estradiol increased with increasing E2 dosages in a linear manner and decreased over time in a quadratic manner (P < 0.01). E2 treatment had a nonlinear effect on total plasma calcium. Oviduct weight, shell thickness and egg weight were not significantly affected by exogenous estradiol whereas tibial bone ash percentage was increased at only one dose (P < 0.05:0.5 pellet group). Physiological supplementation with estradiol does not improve shell quality.

Allotransplantation of whole spleen in patients with hepatic malignant tumors or hemophilia A. Operative technique and preliminary results

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that the spleen performs a vital function in the fight against malignant tumors. The spleen is the primary producer of tuftsin, which can directly or indirectly kill tumor cells or inhibit their growth. The spleen is also believed to produce coagulating factor VIII. Therefore, allotransplantation of the spleen can be used in the treatment of patients with malignant tumors and hemophilia A.

DESIGN

Heterotopic allotransplantation of whole spleen was performed in six patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and hemophilia A. An adjuvant immunotherapy with interferon alfa was simultaneously administered in the patients with liver cancer.

SETTING

Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan, China.

RESULTS

Among six cases of allografting of whole spleen, five grafts were successful; one failed because of torsion of the splenic hilum. Three patients with hepatocellular carcinoma survived 9, 11, and 5 months after transplantation. Marked shrinkage of hepatic tumors and reduced serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were observed in these patients. On 5-year follow-up, three patients with hemophilia who had undergone splenic allografts were alive, and two had experienced substantial clinical improvement. In these two patients, when the grafts were functioning well and the recipients were free of acute rejection or graft-vs-host reaction, the mean plasma factor VIII activity remained between 30% and 36%, with peak factor VIII activities of 53.7% and 66.6%. We also evaluate operative technique and posttransplantation complications.

CONCLUSION

Our results strongly imply that the spleen is one of the primary sites of synthesis of factor VIII and that the spleen has an inherent ability to fight malignant diseases. Allografting of whole spleen may be a promising technique for the treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and severe hemophilia A.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 effects in rat kidney: regulation of protein phosphorylation

This study tested the hypothesis that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment alters the pattern of protein phosphorylation in rat kidney. Treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (100 ng/day s.c. x 7d) in vitamin D-deficient rats markedly decreased phosphorylation of a particulate protein (91 +/- 0.6 kDa, n = 9) and moderately increased phosphorylation of a cytosolic protein (108 +/- 0.8 kDa, n = 9) in the kidney. The decreased phosphorylation of the 91-kDa particulate protein showed a graded dose response (0-200 ng/day), as did the more moderate increase in phosphorylation of the 108-kDa cytosolic protein. In conclusion, this study has provided evidence that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 plays an important role in the regulation of protein phosphorylation in rat kidney and adds these biochemical events to the growing list of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 effects in this poorly understood target tissue.

Detection of active UV-photoproduct repair in monkey skin in vivo by quantitative immunohistochemistry

Ultraviolet-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine-pyrimidone (6-4)photoproducts in DNA were quantitatively measured in monkey skin using an immunohistochemical method with two specific monoclonal antibodies. The skins of Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were irradiated with UV light and processed for preparation of conventional formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded histological sections. Both of the photoproducts were detectable in the nuclei of epidermal cells at doses of 500 J/m2 for UVB and 50 J/m2 for UVC, respectively, nuclear staining being clearly dose-dependent. Time course studies also showed a statistically significant decrease in nuclear staining with time after exposure to either UVB or UVC irradiation. Although only 30% of CPDs were removed from DNA in the first 24 h, about half of the (6-4) photoproducts were repaired within 3 h post-UV irradiation. Staining completely disappeared by 48 h in the (6-4) photoproduct case and by 72 h in the case of CPDs. The results suggest that epidermal cells of monkey skin can efficiently repair UV-photoproducts in DNA, but that the capacity is slightly less than in man.

DNA adduct formation and assessment of aberrant crypt foci in vivo in the rat colon mucosa after treatment with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea

N-Nitroso-compound DNA adduct formation in vivo and occurrence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were studied in the rat colon mucosa after a single, local treatment with a carcinogen, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), using a simple surgical approach. A segment of F344 rat colon was ligated to make a pouch and injected with MNU solution. For the study of DNA adduct formation, the solution contained 50 microCi of [3H]MNU. The results demonstrated that similar ranges of carcinogen dose, i.e. 0.15 x 10(-2) - 1.5 x 10(-2) M MNU, could induce both DNA adduct formation and appearance of ACF in the rat colon with both parameters showing a nearly linear dose dependence. HPLC analysis revealed the DNA adducts to include both 7-methylguanine (7-mGua) and O6-methylguanine (O6-mGua) with the 7-mGua/O6-mGua ratio being 8.2-11.3:1 in the system used. Assessment of ACF development from 4 to 16 weeks after MNU treatment at a dose of 7.5 x 10(-2) M showed the numbers to increase up to the 8th week, followed by a decrease at weeks 12 and 16, when 40% of the ACF counted at the peak time point were still present. The percentage of large ACF (> or = 4 crypts/ACF) significantly increased with time. These results indicate a clear relation between DNA adducts and preneoplastic lesions, i.e. ACF. In conclusion, DNA adduct formation and ACF can be efficiently and simply detected in vivo by using the method described in the present paper.

Isolation and characterization of a carboxysome shell gene from Thiobacillus neapolitanus

The gene coding for the major carboxysome shell peptide (csoS1) from Thiobacillus neapolitanus has been isolated and sequenced. Oligonucleotide primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 5' end of the gene were made possible by amino acid sequencing of the N-terminal residues of the shell peptide. A 41 bp PCR product was used as a probe to isolate the gene. The deduced amino acid composition of the 216 bp gene shows a high degree of hydrophobicity. The gene is located within a series of three repeated regions of DNA and appears to have arisen via gene duplication. The transcript of csoS1 is approximately 400 bases in length. The shell peptide shares significant homology with Synechococcus open reading frames implicated in carboxysome structure/assembly. These open reading frames and csoS1 are related and are probably members of a carboxysome gene family.

Genotypes of hepatitis C virus in Guangxi province, southern China

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been subdivided into at least four genotypes, and the prevalence of each genotype has been reported to differ widely in different countries. Of 304 patients with chronic liver diseases (68 with chronic hepatitis, 50 with liver cirrhosis and 186 with hepatocellular carcinoma) from Guangxi Province in southern China, only 9 (3.0%) had antibodies to HCV as determined by a second-generation enzyme immunoassay with a cut-off index of 2.0 or more. The HCV genotypes of these nine cases were examined using polymerase chain reaction with type-specific primers deduced from putative core gene. Seven of the nine cases had type II infection and the other two cases showed double infection with types II and IV. These findings indicate that the predominant HCV genotype in the Guangxi area is type II, as is the case in Japan, although the prevalence of HCV infection in patients with chronic liver diseases is much lower.

Characterization of the function of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-3 and comparison with ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 in immune responses

We have characterized the immunobiology of the interaction of intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM-3; CD50) with its counter-receptor, leukocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18). Purified ICAM-3 supported LFA-1-dependent adhesion in a temperature- and cation-dependent manner. Activation of cells bearing LFA-1 increased adhesiveness for ICAM-3 in parallel to adhesiveness for ICAM-1. Although CBR-IC3/1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) blocked adhesion of cells to purified LFA-1, when tested alone, neither CBR-IC3/1 nor five novel ICAM-3 mAbs characterized here blocked adhesion of cells to purified ICAM-3 or homotypic adhesion. Two ICAM-3 mAbs, CBR-IC3/1 and CBR-IC3/2, were required to block LFA-1-dependent adhesion to purified ICAM-3- or LFA-1-dependent, ICAM-1-, ICAM-2-independent homotypic adhesion of lymphoid cell lines. Two ICAM-3 mAbs, CBR-IC3/1 and CBR-IC3/6, induced LFA-1-independent aggregation that was temperature and divalent cation dependent and was completely inhibited by ICAM-3 mAb, CBR-IC3/2, recognizing a distinct epitope. Purified ICAM-3 provided a costimulatory signal for proliferation of resting T lymphocytes. mAb to ICAM-3, together with mAbs to ICAM-1 and ICAM-2, inhibited peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation in response to phytohemagglutinin, allogeneic stimulator cells, and specific antigen. Inhibition was almost complete and to the same level as with mAb to LFA-1, suggesting the most functionally important, and possibly all, of the ligands for LFA-1 have been defined.

A low prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in Guangxi Province, southern China

BACKGROUND

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in southern China, including Guangxi Province, is among the highest in the world. Investigations of the etiology of HCC in this area have focused on hepatitis B virus (HBV) and aflatoxin. However, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been shown to be a possible pathogenic agent for HCC in a number of countries.

METHODS

Antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV), determined by second-generation enzyme immunoassay, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were assayed in the sera of 186 patients with HCC and 48 healthy control subjects from Guangxi Province in southern China.

RESULTS

HBsAg was detected in 131 (70.4%) of 186 patients with HCC, whereas only 10 (5.4%) patients were found to be positive for anti-HCV. The prevalence of anti-HCV in patients with HBsAg-positive HCC was 6.9% (9 of 131) and that in patients with HBsAg-negative HCC was 1.8% (1 of 55); there was no significant difference between these two groups. Anti-HCV was not detected in any of the healthy control subjects, in whom the prevalence of HBsAg was 10.4% (5 of 48).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that HCV does not seem to play an important role in the development of HCC in Guangxi Province; however, HBV infection appears to be a major pathogenic factor for HCC in this area.

Low external K+ regulates Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 and beta 1 gene expression in rat cardiac myocytes

Incubation of mammalian cells in medium containing low K+ is often associated with an increase in Na,K-ATPase activity and content. In the present studies, we investigated the effect of low K+ on the regulation of Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 and beta 1 gene expression in primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. Northern blot hybridization analysis indicated that exposure of cardiocytes to a medium containing 0.3 mmol/L K+ for 72 h resulted in 1.8- and 3.3-fold increases in the abundance of alpha 1 and beta 1 mRNAs, respectively, compared with control cells exposed to 5.4 mmol/L K+. To investigate the molecular mechanism of the low K effect on beta 1 mRNA content, we constructed chimeric genes with a full-length and deleted portion of the 5' end of the rat beta 1 gene linked to the firefly luciferase gene. Transient transfection experiments using these constructs indicated that beta 1 gene sequences between -102 and +151 base pairs (bp) are required for low K(+)-induced trans-activation of reporter gene expression. Taken together, these results indicate that low K+ induction of beta 1 mRNA abundance in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes is mediated by regulatory DNA sequences in close proximity to the site of transcription initiation of the beta 1 gene.

Structural and functional contributions to the G1 blocking action of the retinoblastoma protein. (the 1992 Gordon Hamilton Fairley Memorial Lecture)

The retinoblastoma gene product (RB) contributes to normal cell growth control. One of its functions is manifest as a block to exit from G1, which is carried out by an RB subspecies which is un- or underphosphorylated. After RB phosphorylation, a process which occurs towards the end of G1 in cycling cells, the block is lifted allowing a cell to enter S. Here, we review a series of results which speak to the elements of RB structure which contribute to this activity. Included is its internal colinear protein receptor domain (i.e. the 'pocket').

Tumor promotion by fecapentaene-12 in a rat colon carcinogenesis model

Fecapentaenes are a group of fecal mutagens produced by anaerobic microflora of the colon. The potential of fecapentaene-12 (FP-12) to promote tumor development was tested in a rat colon carcinogenesis model using N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) as the initiating agent. Two groups of female F-344 rats were initiated by intrarectal instillations of MNU (2 mg in 0.5 ml H2O, 3 times a week, for 3 weeks; MNU and MNU + FP-12 groups). Two additional groups (FP-12 and Control) were given H2O without carcinogen. In the post-initiation phase, rats of the MNU + FP-12 and FP-12 groups were intrarectally administered 400 ng of FP-12 in 0.5 ml T-E buffer, twice a week, for 24 weeks, whereas the MNU and Control groups received the vehicle only. Tumors were found only in the MNU and MNU + FP-12 groups, their number being higher in the latter. The number of carcinoma bearing rats as well as the average number of carcinomas per rat were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the MNU + FP-12 group as compared to the MNU-alone values. Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were found in all carcinogen-treated rats, including those that did not contain tumors, whereas none were observed in the FP-12 and Control groups. The average number of ACF/cm2 was also significantly higher in the MNU+FP-12 group, as was the case for the average number of ACF containing > 10 aberrant crypts per focus. These findings suggest that FP-12 can express promoting activity in chemical induced colon carcinogenesis.

Effect of estrogen in relation to dietary vitamin D3 and calcium on activity of intestinal alkaline phosphatase and Ca-ATPase in immature chicks

The interaction between 17 beta-estradiol (E2), vitamin D3 (D3), and dietary Ca on the activities of Ca-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase (AP) was determined in the intestine of young female chicks. Chicks (n = 36) were assigned to two groups, one of which was transferred to a low Ca (0.2%) diet and the other maintained on a regular diet. One week later, each group was further divided into three subgroups and given daily injections of 0(oil), 0.25, or 0.5 mg E2/kg body wt for 14 days. E2 treatment as well as low dietary Ca significantly increased AP activity (P < 0.05), whereas the highest E2 dose decreased jejunal Ca-ATPase (P < 0.05). In a separate study, day-old chicks (n = 40) fed a purified diet supplemented with or without D3 for 24 days were divided into two subgroups and administered daily injections of either 0 or 0.25 mg estrogen 3-benzoate/kg body wt for 5 days. E2 alone or in combination with D3 failed to change Ca-ATPase activity in either the duodenum or the jejunum. However, E2 enhanced the D3-stimulated AP activity measured in the supernatant of duodenum (D3, P < 0.001; E2, P > 0.05; E2 x D3, P < 0.05) and jejunum (D3, P < 0.001; E2, P > 0.05; E2 x D3, P = 0.06). Daily injections of 0.5 mg E2/kg body wt for 6 days to 6-week-old D3-adequate chicks (n = 16) significantly increased AP activity in jejunum but not in liver and kidney (P < 0.05). In conclusion, E2 treatment enhanced the activity of intestinal AP but not Ca-ATPase. This enhancement was independent of dietary Ca, but was D3-dependent and tissue specific. The results suggest that the pubertal increase in plasma E2 can affect Ca absorption from the intestine by increasing the activity of AP.

Estrogen enhancement of Ca-, Mg-, and Ca-Mg-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase activity in the chick shell gland

The effect of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) on Ca-, Mg-, and Ca-Mg-ATPase activity was investigated in the shell gland of 6-week-old chicks. In the first study, each of 42 birds was implanted with three E2 (Compudose-200) pellets. An additional 6 sham-implanted birds served as controls for measurements of body weight and concentrations of E2 and Ca in plasma. The activities of Mg-, Ca-, and Ca-Mg-ATPase peaked coincident with maximum plasma E2 concentrations 8 days after implantation and then progressively declined in concert with the decline in plasma E2. By 29 days after implantation, the ATPase activities were similar to those measured in birds whose E2 pellets had been removed for 11 days. Concentrations of plasma E2 dropped from peak values of 1676 +/- 317 at Day 8 to 611 +/- 180 pg/ml at Day 29. When birds whose E2 pellets had been removed were reimplanted with three pellets per bird, plasma E2 again increased to 1637 +/- 227 pg/ml. ATPase activity in these reimplanted birds also was greater (P < 0.05) than activities measured in E2-removed or E2-maintained birds. In a second study the Ca-ATPase Km and Vmax were determined in E2-implanted chicks (three pellets per bird) and compared to E2-withdrawn chicks. Five days after reimplantation of chicks with E2, there was a significant increase in both Vmax (3.38 +/- 0.21 vs 2.37 +/- 0.28 micrograms Pi/mg protein/min; P < 0.05) and Km (0.31 +/- 0.02 vs 0.25 +/- 0.01 mM Ca; P < .01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)